‘Paris Mécanique’ presents some of the most charming and unique short pieces from the early 20th century in new arrangements made especially for clarinet virtuoso Sabine Meyer, her clarinet-playing colleagues and Pierre Charial’s barrel organ.

Most of the compositions date from “les années folles”, the “crazy years” of Paris, when classical composers discovered the music-hall, when exoticism and early jazz were in vogue, and the music created for the Ballets Russes and by the group of composers known as ‘Les Six’ spread excitement. Poulenc and Milhaud represent ‘Les Six’ on this disc, alongside music by Françaix, Pierné, Satie and four of the most popular pieces by the American master of light music, Leroy Anderson.

Some interesting new pieces, written mainly by Michael Riessler and obviously inspired by the moods and motifs of historical crazy Paris, have been added to the programme.

Listening to ‘Paris Mécanique’ is a wonderful way of enjoying Trio di Clarone’s artistic stature in an unusual context that is both classically based and totally entertaining.